The first year part of a multi-year project on monitoring health equity in Korea, this study aims at studying the causes of health inequality in Korea and suggesting policy alternatives.
The authors surveyed the public about their experiences of health inequality and surveyed the researchers, public servants, and professors about the knowledge translation and agenda setting on health equity.
We also examined social determinants of health care disparity, a major cause of health inequality, and drew an effective strategy for monitoring health care disparities.
The key findings of this study are as follows:First, there is a need to grasp the current status of health inequality by using objective measurement and gathering subjective perceptions.
Second, researchers need to focus on improving the quality of the evidence on health inequality for a more effective discourse on the issue. Also, policymakers should be able to fully recognize health inequality as a political agenda.
Third, there is a need to establish a ‘user-centered’ monitoring system for a better understanding of the current state of health care disparity.